About root canal therapy
A root canal removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and shapes the tiny canals where the tissue once was, and seals them so the infection cannot return. The natural tooth — and the bone that supports it — is preserved.
Despite their reputation, root canals today are routine. With modern local anesthetic, the procedure itself is comfortable. Most patients describe the relief afterward as dramatic, because the toothache that drove them in is gone.
After a root canal, the tooth is usually restored with a crown to protect it long-term. Without a crown, a root-canal-treated tooth is more brittle and prone to fracture.
When you might need this
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a visit. Only a doctor can diagnose your specific situation, but these are common reasons patients come in for root canal therapy.
A persistent, throbbing toothache
A tooth that hurts on its own (not just when you bite) often signals inflammation of the nerve inside.
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
Sensitivity that continues for 30 seconds or more after the trigger is gone is a strong sign of irreversible nerve inflammation.
Pain when you bite on a specific tooth
A tooth that hurts when you put pressure on it may have an infected nerve or a crack reaching the pulp.
Swelling near the gumline
A pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth is often a fistula draining infection from the tip of the root.
A darkened or discolored tooth
A single tooth turning darker than its neighbors usually means the nerve inside has died or is dying.
A deep cavity that has reached the nerve
When decay reaches the inner pulp chamber, the tooth typically needs a root canal to be saved.
Your visit, step by step
- 01
Diagnosis with imaging
We use digital x-rays and sometimes 3D CBCT scans to confirm the source of the problem and plan the treatment.
- 02
Comfortable numbing
Local anesthetic is administered until the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb. We check repeatedly that you are comfortable before starting.
- 03
Access and cleaning
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth so the canals inside can be reached. Specialized instruments clean and shape each canal.
- 04
Disinfection
The canals are flushed with antibacterial solutions to eliminate the infection completely.
- 05
Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha that seals them against future infection.
- 06
Crown to follow
A temporary filling closes the access point. At a follow-up visit a permanent crown is placed to protect the now-brittle tooth long-term.
Why patients choose us for this
Precise digital imaging
3D CBCT imaging when complex canal anatomy is suspected lets us plan the procedure to the millimeter.
Genuinely comfortable visit
We focus heavily on patient comfort. Most root-canal patients tell us afterward "that was so much easier than I thought."
Endodontic experience
Our doctors trained at the University of Michigan and perform routine root canals every week. Complex cases are referred to a trusted local endodontist.
Same-day crown follow-up
CEREC technology lets us deliver the protective crown in a single follow-up visit — no temporary that lingers for weeks.